Boeing readies new satellite that will improve NASA's spacecraft tracking

Boeing Co. is set to deliver a satellite that will improve NASA's communications with numerous spacecraft orbiting the Earth.

The Boeing Satellite Development Center in El Segundo has completed all environmental, functional and performance tests for the latest version of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites.

Known as TDRS K, the satellite will be packaged and transported to Cape Canaveral, Fla., by the end of this year.

In Florida, TDRS K will complete final integration and test before a possible January launch.

Boeing built the earlier versions - TDRS H, I and J - that are currently operating in orbit.

In an email to the Daily Breeze, John Leuer, Boeing's TDRS program leader, said the TDRS K represents "proven, low-cost and reliable" technologies to improve NASA's communications.

TDRS K is one of three TDRS satellites in some stage of production or planning at Boeing's El Segundo facility. TDRS L, which Boeing expects to complete next year with a scheduled launch date in 2014, is in final space vehicle testing.

The aerospace giant expects to start production of TDRS M soon, with a possible launch in 2015.

Boeing will build TDRS N if NASA exercises an option in a $1.2 billion contract signed in 2007 that included all four satellites.

"We are waiting to hear from NASA by the end of the year if they will exercise the option for TDRS N," Leuer said.

The new satellites will enhance NASA's ability to process and transmit signals among its ground stations, the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station and dozens of scientific satellites in low-Earth orbit.

The signal improvements will include high-resolution images, video, voice and data.

As part of the contract, Boeing and partner General Dynamics also upgraded existing NASA ground terminals to make them compatible with the new TDRS satellites. That work was recently completed and delivered to NASA.